Of morals

Morals.

Principles. 

Sense of righteousness.

Law.

Differentiating good and bad.

Are the above innate or nurtured? If they are nurtured, are they taught in textbooks, or shaped by societal norms? Are morals and law defined by the police. or influenced by family and peers?

Think about these examples: 

- how Japanese takes pride in keeping their streets impeccably spotless vs third world countries whose streets are littered with rubbish and nobody seems to have a consideration for cleanliness

- disrespect towards females in India (almost treating them like second class gender) vs America where women enjoy equal rights

- watch this interesting 15min video of a social experiment where children were misguided to ostracizing other children of a different eye colour

How does one tell what is right or what is wrong? How much wrong is actually wrong, measured on a scale of minor, susceptible to public discern, disgraceful, to criminal? 

Examples: 

- Is being late for work for 15 mins everyday acceptable? 

- Deliberately tapping out of a bus ride earlier than his intended destination

- Should we pardon an employee taking home an office stationery for personal use without the intention of returning e.g. hole puncher 

- that versus selfishly leaving the office aircon on overnight 

Can the extent of wrongdoings be translated onto a quantitative scale i.e. monetary? Or should they be determined qualitatively using a value system of a reasonable man? 

Scenario: 

a) Employee being late for 10 mins everyday due to laziness = $66 / mth (productivity loss to company) 

Versus

b) Employee takes advantage of the electronic approval system and makes a deliberate taxi claim of $15 instead of $12 (additional $3 cost to employer) 

Now, which one feels more 'wrong'?